GUIDELINES FOR WRITING THE EXPERIENCE REPORT
Please write this report in English
The student report will be published on the:
 Study Abroad website (under “Experiences” from partner universities)
 "Study Abroad Information" TiSEM Blackboard page (course code FEBSAI)
 TiSEM students’ exchange blog
 Liberal Arts and Sciences students’ blogs
Please let us know if you do not want your report to be published.
ANR: 558595
Name: Whinney Chow
E-mail: w.w.y.chow@tilburguniversity.edu
Exchange semester: Spring, 2014
Academic year: 2013/2014
Host University: Macquarie University
Country: Australia
I GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Please, describe:
 The school and its surroundings:
 please describe the city you lived in;
For the past semester, I have lived in the great city of Sydney. Sydney is a diverse city. In the
city centre, you will find heaps of people with different nationalities, culture, and habits. The
city has a metropolitan and relaxing atmosphere. There are heaps of activities and the
weather is great. Furthermore, Sydney offers everything what you ever asked for. If you feel
to go to the beach, beaches are nearby. Or do you like to hike in the mountains? No problem,
just an hour away by car you will find the Blue Mountains even skiing is possible, it will just
take you a few hours to go to the highest mountain in Australia.
 where is the university located in the city?
Macquarie University is located in the area of Macquarie Park, which is forty-minutes’ away
from the city centre. Macquarie Park is called the ‘second Central Business District’. It is
called the second CBD because there are heaps of great international businesses located in
this district, like Panasonic, Philips and Porter & Gamble.
 please describe the campus of your host university
The Sydneysiders described the Macquarie University’s campus as the best and the most
pleasant one. Macquarie University has green spaces for relaxation, a new modern library, it
is the first university with its own hospital and it has many lecture buildings.
 what is the best place to go to eat/drink/dance/do sports/etc.?
The shopping centre is just a five minutes’ walk from the university, so the best place would
be the food court in the shopping centre. Otherwise, the campus has its own food court as
well for a great meal. You can do sports in the Sport Hall, which is also located at campus.
 what are interesting things to see and do in your host city?
Sydney is never boring. I like the ferry to Manly beach from Circular Quay. From the ferry you
will see the skyline and the landmarks of Sydney very well, and Manly itself is awesome. I
would not recommend to do the Harbour Bridge Climb, it is not worth the money.
 what was different than in Tilburg?
Sydney is much bigger than Tilburg and there is a campus culture, but no wide student
culture in the city.
 Current faculty divisions and special areas
Macquarie University is divided into five faculties (Arts, Business and Economics, Human
Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences and Science). Every faculty has a number of
departments.
 Number of students: graduate and undergraduate; number of exchange students
Each year, 6383 undergraduate and 4390 postgraduate students will receive their degree.
However, the number of enrolments is 38,747. 27,370 are domestic students and the rest are
international students.
 Study structure
Lectures, tutorial, group work, presentation, final exam, HEAPS OF ASSIGNMENTS.
II PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Information before you left
 When did you receive the pre-arrival information from the host university?
November?
 Any difficulties?
I was told that I have met all the language requirements, but I did not. Just 1 month before
departure (I have travelled for one month before going to Sydney), I did the TOEFL test. And
just two weeks before departure, I was finally accepted.
Visa procedure and arrival
 How long did it take you to arrange your (student) visa (if relevant)?
Two weeks, but I forgot to include some documents.
 How much did you pay for the visa?
AU $535
 How was your arrival organized?
Pretty well.
 Did someone pick you up from the airport/station?
Yup
 How was the reception at the school?
Good and practical.
 Was the administration and faculty well prepared for your arrival?
Very well.
 What problems, if any did you encounter?
Problem free
Orientation/Introduction activities
 Was an orientation or introduction activity organized?
Yes by the Macquarie University Village and the university.
 Did the school’s students participate in the reception of the exchange students?
Only the mascot, the MacWarrior.
 Did you have a student mentor/buddy?
No
Housing
 How was accommodation organized?
The exchange coordinator sent me the options in November.
 Did you have to book your accommodation in advance or did you have to search for a
place to live after you arrived?
In advance
 What kind of housing does the university provide?
They provide three types of on campus housing.
 What support did you receive from the school in locating housing?
They have given me a brochure.
 Were you satisfied with your accommodation?
Yes
 Any special issues or good ideas/useful websites for prospective students?
If you want to live off campus, check gumtree.com.au
Living Costs
 How did you finance your exchange period, apart from the grant you received from
Tilburg University?
I have worked for five years (and I am a great money safer), duo and family.
 What were your living expenses abroad like compared to Tilburg?
I have to pay for transportation.
 What did you spend most of your money on?
Rent
 What would you advice future students to spend their money on?
Travelling. You can earn money again when you are back in the Netherlands or after
graduation. If you have money, just spend it.
 Please outline your approximate monthly budget whilst on exchange:
 Housing
$1000
 Food
$40 a week (I don’t like to do the dishes, so mostly I just eat
something whereby you don’t have to wash the dishes)
 Transport
$10 a week
 Books
none
 Miscellaneous $300
Academic Calendar
 Arrival date & introductory week
I arrived at February 16, 2014.
From February 17th, there is a two-week introduction week, the Fresher Fest, at the
Macquarie University Village. The first week of the academic calendar, there is an O-week
(orientation week) organised by the university (heaps of barbies and free food! We all love
free stuff right haha).
 First day of the semester?
March 3, 2014
 Last day of classes?
Last week of May or first week of June
 Mid-term break?
YES TWO WEEKS 
 Examination period?
Three weeks?
 Any special events?
Yes they organise multiple activities for exchange and international students.
The International Office
 Is there an international office?
Yes
 Who is responsible for incoming exchange students?
Matthew Louie
 How does the international office function?
Ask them a question about your exchange by mail or personal contact.
 Are you satisfied with the information provided to you by the international office?
Yes and Australians are genuine super friendly.
Exchange promotion
 What kind of activity did you take part in to promote exchange to Tilburg University at
your exchange university?
There is an international exchange fair. According to my exchange program contract, I have
to promote TiU at Macquarie University. It was actually fun to do that, especially when your
friends are there as well and you can take pictures at the photo booth. Furthermore, a free
barbie is also available.
Social Activities
 Which social activities are organized by the university/students for exchange students?
Introduction cruise/party, more cruises, more parties, trips, etc.
 Is there a student organization for international student?
Yes, but not for the general ‘international student’ I reckon. They have organisations for the
‘Chinese’, ‘German’ etc. specific.
 Did you have contact with local students?
Yes
 Did you have contact with other exchange students?
Yes
 Did you travel to other places/countries during your exchange?
Yes
Culture and Language
 Did you experience culture shock while on exchange?
A little, Australians are more laid back. We also are, but they are more laid back. And they
have the friendliest people on earth. I am a fan of Australia.
 How would you compare your host culture to your own culture?
Australians are genuine friendly. Dutch people are friendly as well, but it is different.
Australians are not greedy as well.
 What did you learn about your own culture while on exchange?
We are awesome people. We have a very good reputation abroad.
 What was different about your host culture than you expected?
There are not many differences between our cultures. I found Australians genuine nice
people, who are more than willing to help you out. Even the police, who fined us, are super
nice …
 How would you describe your host country’s culture?
Australia has a laid back culture where you can count on your mates.
 What did you like and not like about your host culture?
The police are stricter than in the Netherlands, and the fines are unbelievable high.
 Do you feel you learned a lot about your host culture, and if not, what would you like to
learn more?
Yes I have learned heaps.
 If you travelled to other cities/countries during your exchange, were they different than
your host city/country, and how?
Yes, you can tell that each big city in Australia has its own characteristics. Sydney is a sunny
active city, because the beaches and the mountains are nearby. Melbourne is more a cultural
city and Perth is, for instance, the friendliest city I have ever been to.
 Did you have any language problems with the faculty or other students?
There are many international students, who do not speak proper English.
 Did you follow language courses during your exchange?
No, I was not allowed to.
 Did you follow the Erasmus Intensive Language Course?
No.
Personal Development
 How do you think the exchange experience will affect you from a cultural and social point
of view?
Yes, many stereotypical representations I had before are all gone. Every individual is different
and unique.
 How do you think the exchange experience will influence your future career possibilities?
I think that studying abroad will enhance your future career possibilities heaps. Due to the
international environment you are, you will learn to communicate with somebody from a
different culture and you will learn about their’ values and their priorities. You simply have
more experience after your exchange.
 What did you learn from the people you met during your exchange?
All individuals are unique and stereotypes are stupid.
 Would you do things differently if you had the chance, and what would you do differently?
I would like to be more motivated to study. The courses are easy to pass, so it was not that
challenging to pass it.
 What was your best experience, and what was your worst experience?
My best experience is that I was able to meet and be friends with heaps of people. They were
all so much fun and we acted like a big family. I just miss the moments with other students at
Macquarie. The worst experience is the fine I got in Western Australia (it was sad, yet funny).
 What will you never forget about your exchange period?
I will never forget about the people I have met abroad and pushing my limits all the time.
 What was the most important lesson you learned about yourself during your exchange
period?
Be true to yourself, and you will be all right. If people like you, they like you. If they don’t, I
don’t care. Do what you want and what makes you happy. It sounds so cliché, but it is so true.
III ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Academic level at a host university
 In what language(s) are the courses offered at a partner university?
English
 Did you follow any courses taught in the language of the host country?
Yes
 Which courses did you take and why?
Marketing Fundamentals, interested in marketing
E-Marketing, interested in marketing
Customer Relationship Management, interested in marketing
Public Relations Theories, want to know the differences between marketing en PR.
 Which courses would you recommend?
I would recommend Customer Relationship Management, because it is interesting and the
teachers are nice.
 How would compare the academic level at your host university to the academic level at
Tilburg University (e.g.: level of the courses, use of extra material, level of English,
workload, etc.)?
The lectures are at the same level as Tilburg University. However, it is so much easier to get
high grades. For instance, for the same amount of work you do in Tilburg, you will grade
(much) higher at Macquarie University.
 Is the teaching style primarily practical or theoretical?
It is primary theoretical, but heaps of practical assignments.
 What teaching method is practiced by the host university: case studies, group work,
seminars or lectures (or a mix)?
Everything above.
 How would you describe the relationship between the students and the teaching staff?
The teaching staff is very laid back, you can approach them by their first name and the
communication is not as formal as in Tilburg University.
 In general, were you happy with your academic achievements during your exchange?
Not with my own, because I did less than I am capable of. However, I passed everything.
Exams
 What types of exams did you have to sit?
Final exam during the examination period.
Other
 Can students easily access the library and its resources?
Yes totally. There is a central library and many staff workers, who are more than willing to
help you out.
 Were there public computers available on campus/in university buildings?
Yes.
Description of Courses
Course name:
Prereq.
MKTG101
None
Marketing Fundamentals
MKTG306
E-Marketing
none
Exam
Major at BI
Approved as
(Common/elective/extra)
7 ECTS
elective
Assignments
Group report
Final Exam
assignments
7 ECTS
individual case study
Final exam
elective
MKTG308
none
Customer Relationship Management
assignments
7 ECTS
group report
Presentations (2x)
Final exam
elective
MAS389
none
Theories of Public Relations
media release 7 ECTS
presentation
Write-up
elective
essay
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
All courses are in BA level.
Tips for the future students:
 Would you recommend an exchange period?
Yes
 Would you recommend your host university?
Definitely! Macquarie University is an international university with heaps of international and
exchange students. Furthermore, they do their best to get you involved with other students so
you will get the best experience from your exchange. Macquarie University is just awesome
and living is Sydney itself is wonderful.
 What should prospective students absolutely not forget before going on exchange?
A power strip and a travel insurance (laptop broke the first week ……..) and consider to travel
before and or after the exchange! You will otherwise regret it afterwards.
 How can they better prepare before going on exchange to this destination?
More frequent communication by the host university would be nice.
 Was there anything you should have arranged before departure that you haven’t?
Neh
A picture is worth a thousand words
This picture is one of many pictures. This picture is a joke, but it is true. I did so many
things during my exchange, that initially; I thought I was never capable of. You learn
pushing your boundaries. I have learned to surf, snorkel (yes I have never done that
before), dive, making fire, camping, driven a car on the ‘wrong’ side of the road, not
hitting kangaroos on the road, build a new life in a city all the way across the world,
and yes I even faced my biggest fear, being scared of birds. There was a seagull on
my head once …
If you took any pictures or made any videos that you would like to share with future exchange
students, please include them (or e-mail them separately). Pictures that show your daily life or
symbolize your exchange period are especially interesting for future exchange students.
Blog
If you kept a (photo) blog during your exchange that you would like to share (e.g.:
www.waarbenjijnu.nl, www.blipfoto.com) with future exchange students, please let us know
the URL.
Contact details:
Can the International Relations Office share your e-mail address with prospective exchange
students, so that other students could contact you for more information?
Yes